EDGEN is a "kinematics spreadsheet" developed by EDC. EDGEN uses positions and velocities supplied at up to eight user-specified locations (e.g. Initial, Pre-braking, Impact, etc) to determine the time required to travel between each location. Using this time, EDGEN calculates the average linear accelerations between each location, and then calculates the current velocity and position at each timestep between the user-entered positions.

EDGEN has several applications. For example:

Time-vs-distance studies involving a human or vehicle

Move a human or vehicle between two or more known positions

A reality check to confirm that data used in key frame animations are reasonable

When used for a human, EDGEN calculates the motion of the pelvis. Six degrees of freedom (X,Y,Z linear motion, and roll, pitch and yaw angular motion of the pelvis) are calculated. Joint articulations are not included. Therefore, arm and leg motion cannot be simulated.

When used for a vehicle, EDGEN calculates the motion of the sprung mass. Again, six degrees of freedom (X,Y,Z linear motion, and roll, pitch and yaw angular motion) are calculated. Suspension deflection and tire spin degrees of freedom are not included.

EDGEN has two options for the Path Model used in the calculations. These are:

Linear Interpolation - EDGEN uses linear interpolation between user-entered path nodes to define the path position and orientation. This can result in discontinuities at the nodes, however, the result is somewhat more predictable.

3-D Spline Interpolation - EDGEN uses spline interpolation between the path nodes to define path position and orientation. The result is a smooth, continuous path that is guaranteed to be tangent at each node.

Input

EDGEN inputs include one human or one vehicle, and an optional environment. Event set-up parameters include at least two and up to eight positions and velocities for the human or vehicle.